Ernel LeRoy Anderson

Ernel LeRoy Anderson passed away Tuesday morning, 11 June 2024, in Orem, Utah. Loved by many, he will be remembered as a father, grandfather, brother, neighbor, and friend. Ernel was born to James Cleon and Selma Jensen Anderson at the stroke of midnight on 11 September 1928 in Fairview, Utah. As the seventh of thirteen children, he knew what it meant to do his part in a family and fostered very close relationships with his parents and siblings. In his life, he greatly contributed to his family's genealogy, compiling personal and family histories into books, complete with his original illustrations and calligraphy.
In his youth, Ernel took his sheep-herding responsibilities very seriously, carrying fond memories of his "cowboy days" throughout his life. He completed an Associate of Arts degree at Snow College before serving an LDS mission for two years (Nov 1949-Dec 1951) in the Southwest Indian Mission among both Hopi and Navajo tribes. He was drafted into the US Army in March of 1953 and proudly served in Germany where he was stationed for a year. He later enrolled in BYU to continue his education, receiving a Utah Teacher's Certification (1957) and completing a Masters Degree (1962) in Art. Ernel became an esteemed art teacher, teaching at several middle and high schools in the Provo area.
His proudest accomplishment by far was marrying the love of his life, Ellna LaRitta Nielsen on 14 November 1952, and raising their family together. They spent their first years on a small farm in Provo where they welcomed their first four children and later moved to their beloved home in Orem where they welcomed three more. Ernel's stubbornness paired well with Ellna's fiery personality. Together they lived a beautiful life celebrating 60 years of marriage in 2012. These last eleven years since her death in January 2013 made their reunion at his passing that much sweeter.
Ernel is survived by his seven children, Mitzi, Mark, Kim (Jamie), Nan, Eric, Jan (Kristin), and Keri (Nathan). Many loved ones surely awaited him at the veil, welcoming him home, including his parents, nine of his siblings, two beloved sons-in-law Kurt Cox and Lavon Allen, and of course his "Princess" Ellna.
The life he lived left a legacy not soon to be forgotten. It will be remembered and passed on to his seven children, 21 grandchildren, and more than 30 great-grandchildren. His devotion to his faith, family, and art is inspiring. A dedicated artist, he found deep satisfaction in expressing himself through painting, and his works have blessed the lives of many, depicting beautiful landscapes, wildlife, people, and religious scenes. He served faithfully in all his church callings, especially treasuring his time in the Ward Choir. He enjoyed gardening and finding ways to "beautify" his community. He took the time to notice the little details and designs in the world around him, especially those that were particularly beautiful and was sure to point them out to whoever he was with. His wit served him well in his life - he loved to banter, make puns, or otherwise add a touch of humor to every interaction, especially in his later years. He prioritized family above all and constantly found opportunities to share his ideas, life experiences, and testimony with them.
His memory will be honored at a funeral service to be held Saturday, 22 June 2024, at 1:00 pm in his home ward at the old Vermont chapel - 400 North 400 East, Orem, Utah. A viewing will be held Friday night from 6-8 pm at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home - 646 E 800 N Orem, UT 84097, and Saturday morning preceding the services from 11 am-12:30 pm at the church https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcxODY3NDI0ODMxNDM4NiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==